Boar’s Head Deli Meat Plant Shut Down Due to Listeria Outbreak

Boar’s Head has shut down its deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia, indefinitely after a deadly listeria outbreak, causing significant fallout. The outbreak, which has claimed the lives of nine individuals, also prompted a massive recall of more than 7 million pounds of product. As a result, hundreds of employees are now out of work.

The company has announced that it will permanently discontinue its liverwurst product, a key item affected by the contamination. Boar’s Head is also taking steps to improve its safety protocols by hiring a chief food safety officer and forming a dedicated food safety council. While some workers have been offered transfers to other facilities, many long-term employees are grappling with the uncertainty caused by the shutdown.

The outbreak not only highlights the vulnerability of the food supply chain but also emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures in preventing such devastating consequences. Boar’s Head’s immediate focus is on implementing these measures to avoid future incidents while ensuring support for the affected workers.